Friday, October 4, 2013

The lifespan of a roof averages fifteen years. Any
time period beyond that, the roof might require repairs or even replacement.

While some might think repairing or replacing a roof
is a walk in the park, figures from the Bureau of Labor
Statistics say otherwise. According to a study by BLS in 2009, the fatality
rate of roofers is 29.4 per 100,000 workers. The death rate of roofing
contractors is greater than that of police officers. This is why it is
important to hire legit roofing contractors when in need of repair of
replacement.

How long has the contractor been in business? Reliable
roofers have withstood the test of time. As roofing is considered a high-risk job, it is
important to deal only with contractors who know what they’re doing. If the
company is fairly new to the business, research online about its credentials
and see if its previous customers recommend its service. Recommendations from
friends also help.

Legal Credentials

Each state has different regulations for buildings and
contractors. Homeowners should consult licensed and accredited roofers only. It’s
important to know the state’s guidelines on building permits and other legal
matters before starting the job. The contractor must also have insurance to
protect the homeowner should any untoward incident happen.

Contact Information

Do local directories have the contact information of
the roofer? Does the contractor have a physical address? A contractor without
contact details and a physical address is suspicious.

Contract

Before finalizing the deal, the homeowner and the
contractor should sign a contract that contains all details about the project. These
include the time frame, the cost of labor and materials, and the warranty should
the service have one.

It is important to consider two or more candidates
when choosing
a roofing contractor. This allows you to compare their rates and save more
money. To find an affordable roofing service provider in Brooklyn, search
directories and online sources.

DIY roof repairs might not be the most effective solution to
the problem.

Hiring a professional contractor is more advisable.

Deciding to conduct a DIY project on a roofing job is fine
albeit high-risk. Doing so might not be the most effective solution to the
problem. Hiring a professional contractor is more advisable. Knowing what a
professional would do and wouldn’t do should provide you with the
necessary knowledge to find a reliable roofing service provider.

Licenses and insurance are necessary in this business.
If your contractor doesn’t have the necessary licenses to operate in your area,
stop the deal. The same goes if your contractor isn’t insured. Roofing is a
high-risk job. There is always a chance that the contractor could damage your
property. Accidents could happen too.

Of clienteles and marketing

If your contractor does door-to-door selling, start
doubting. Good contractors have an established clientele. If the contractor has
years of experience and a good reputation, posting advertisements would have
sufficed, thus removing the need for door-to-door selling.

Of inspections and bidding

An inspection is necessary before making any bid. If
your contractor already suggests a price before even checking the roof, consult
another contractor. There are many things and damages that are hidden from
plain sight. Any contractor wouldn’t want to undercharge for their service.

Thus, make sure that the contractor inspects the area before naming the price.

Also, contractors shouldn’t charge a large amount up
front. The largest upfront payment a contractor could ask is 50% of the total
cost.

Of contracts and writing

A contractor who doesn’t want to write a contract is
suspicious. You, as a homeowner, and the contractor should agree on every
detail of the project. These include the materials, the duration, the work order,
and even to the cost. A contract-free job deprives you of security about the
project.